Page 44 of Knot Heirs: Serenity's Reign

She wanted to prove that yes, she could be submissive, and she would allow him to give value in the ways she needed as an Omega, but she could also be of service.

That started with her mouth.

The loud ‘plop’ of her lips leaving his fingers only follows with her licking her lips to acknowledge her own sweet taste. She had never been so “freaky” especially in public, but yet here she was, on the first “confrontational date” with Blackthorn, committing things she’d never do with any other Alpha.

Not even Darius.

His smile not only lightens his entire face, but his eyes twinkle with pride and temptation. She can’t tell if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.

“Why don’t we enjoy some dessert before we continue,” he offers with a wink. “Would be good for us to continue this conversation with a fresh palette.”

She blushes at his commentary but lets out a huff.

“Fine.”

The real conversation was going to happen, but this teaser of lust was beyond her wildest expectations.

9

UNEXPECTED ALLIANCES

~SERENITY~

"Explain what you mean by 'your pack's Omega.' Now." She kept her voice steady through sheer force of will. After that obviously steamy interaction, she was trying not to get distracted a second time. "And what exactly does my father have to do with this arrangement?"

"Everything." Lucian's expression softened almost imperceptibly. After our little steamy exchange and dessert, he seems a lot more relaxed. He’s enjoying another glass of whisky while she’s working on a glass of champagne. It’s amazing that the staff and anyone else around act as if Lucian hadn’t fingered me senseless in the midst of the midnight buzz of this fancy place. “It begins and ends with Marcus Vale."

A waiter approached but retreated hastily at Lucian's subtle head shake. She won’t deny that seeing the power he’s able to command and enforce all the staff to follow is a flex that does turn her on. She’s always had to be the one to instigate command in the few relationships she’s attempted in hopes of finding her “pack” but oddly enough, with Lucan and past instances with Darius — even if they were just flings and constant bickering between them — she feels as though she can be in her femineity with a pack like them.

And if Ronan is in the mix, chances are, he’d probably project the same authoritative presence.

The moment the man was gone, Lucian continued.

"Your father approached us individually about fourteen months ago. Three Alphas from three different spheres of influence, all connected to The Society but not controlled by it. He tested, challenged, and ultimately selected us out of a very lengthy list of candidates."

"Selected you for what?" Serenity demanded, a sinking feeling in her stomach.

"To protect his greatest treasure." Lucian's gaze was almost reverent as it traveled over her face. "You."

Memories of her father—distant, secretive, appearing sporadically throughout her childhood—flashed through her mind. Marcus Vale, the man who'd hidden her existence from his enemies, who'd given her a different last name and a fabricated history to keep her “safe”.

Yet she always felt like the hidden disgrace because she was an Omega and not some prestigious Alpha son that could have excelled in a world made to empower their domination.

"That's impossible," she whispered. "He never even acknowledged me publicly. Why would he..." She trailed off, unable to complete the thought.

"Because he knew what would happen after his death." Lucian's voice was matter-of-fact. "The jackals would come for his empire, and for his bloodline. You'd be hunted, claimed, or eliminated. Unless..."

"Unless I already had a pack," she finished, the pieces clicking into place. "A pack powerful enough to protect me."

"Smart girl." His smile was approving, almost proud. "He chose us carefully. Darius for his territorial control and military might. Ronan for his political connections, underground reputation, and social influence. And me..." He spread hishands. "For my financial acumen and, shall we say, strategic mind."

"You mean your capacity for ruthless manipulation," she corrected.

He inclined his head, accepting the assessment without offense.

"A quality your father appreciated."

Serenity's mind raced.

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